Ethanol Blog

LINCOLN, Neb. (DTN) -- Sales of E15 and E85 reached record highs in Minnesota last year, according to information released Wednesday by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

E15 sales increased by about 21% to 127.6 million gallons, compared to 2022 sales. E15 sales have more than doubled in Minnesota since 2019.

Sales of E85 reached 16.6 million gallons, up 8% from 2022. It was the highest-ever volume sold in the state according to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Minnesota is one of just two states that track sales of E15 and E85, the other being Iowa.

"When it comes to expanding the use of ethanol, Minnesota continues to set an excellent example for the rest of the country to follow," RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, said in a statement.

"Minnesota families understand the economic and environmental benefits of using higher blends like E15 and flex fuels like E85. They know that choosing these lower-cost, lower-carbon fuels support local farmers and creates good-paying jobs across the state."

E85 prices averaged $2.67 per gallon, 73 cents per gallon below the average price of $3.40 per gallon for regular gasoline, according to the RFA.

E15 prices averaged $3.24 per gallon, representing a 5% discount compared to regular gasoline. In Minnesota, 468 retail stations offer E15 and 458 stations sell E85. This means more than one out of every five retail stations in the state offer E15, E85, or both.

"Taking into account those stations that did not report E15 and E85 volumes to state agencies, total estimated sales were 168.5 million gallons of E15 and 19 million gallons of E85," RFA said in a news release.

Cooper said Minnesota consumers are "at risk of losing" the cost savings and environmental benefits of E15 unless the Biden administration or Congress "moves quickly" to allow continued sales throughout the upcoming summer.

Without action from Washington, Minnesota retailers offering E15 will have to stop selling the fuel on June 1.

Beginning in 2025, Minnesota will be one of eight Midwest states where the year-round sales of E15 will be allowed permanently after EPA finalizes petitions from eight governors to allow sales of the blend year-round.

Read more on DTN:

"E15 Year-Round Waiver Granted," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Todd Neeley can be reached at todd.neeley@dtn.com

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